blackburn-empire-Made for Stage – New Year Showcase 2026

Made for Stage – New Year Showcase 2026

    VARIETY

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Thu 15th January at 6:00pm & Thu 15th January 2026 at 7:30pm


by Made for Stage – 2 shows to choose from.

Join us as we kick off the new year with a bang!

Our incredible casts take to the stage to showcase everything they’ve been working on throughout the autumn term — bursting with talent, energy and that signature Made for Stage sparkle!

As we’ve continued to grow as a company, it’s no longer possible for all of our casts to perform at the Blackburn Christmas Light Switch On. This special showcase gives every remaining group their moment in the spotlight — a chance to shine and show parents, families and friends just how talented they truly are!

Featuring the majority of casts (with our Minis performing in the 6pm showcase only), this exciting event offers a sneak peek of what’s to come in our Summer 2025 production, along with a vibrant mix of musical theatre favourites and high-energy numbers.

Celebrate the new year with an evening of show-stopping performances from our amazing students — the perfect start to another unforgettable year of theatre!

 

blackburn-empire-Just Tina

Just Tina

    MUSIC

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Thursday 26th March 2026 at 7:30pm


For one night only

Come and shake a tail feather with the UK's supreme Tina – Justine – and her talented cast from the hit show Totally TINA!

This breathtaking recreation of a live Tina Turner concert celebrates the golden anniversary of the Queen of Rock 'n' Roll's signature tune Proud Mary. Tina's no-holds-barred take on the song established a reputation for fearsome live performances – and those never-ending legs!

Early hits, including River Deep – Mountain High and Nutbush City Limits, were just a taste of what was to come. We Don't Need Another Hero, Simply the Best, What's Love Got to Do With It, I Don't Wanna Lose You and When the Heartache is Over propelled Tina to stadium concert stardom.

Supported by her dazzling dancing girls in sequins, feathers and diamonds, Justine recreates those famed live performances for one night only.

 

blackburn-empire-Ray Quinn - King of Swing

Ray Quinn – King of Swing

    MUSIC

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Wednesday 11th February 2026 at 7:30pm


For one night only

Led by a bona fide star of swing music, Ray Quinn, this concert spectacular celebrates the fabulous music and tells the incredible story of the world-famous Rat Pack.

Ray’s debut album, ‘My Way’, features songs from this golden era of music and entered the UK album chart at number one. It sold 127,000 copies in its first week of release before being certified platinum, selling over 250,000 worldwide.

Featuring all the greatest hits of Sammy Davis Jnr, Dean Martin, Frank Sinatra, and many more timeless classics from the stars of swing and the Rat Pack.

 

blackburn-empire-Katie Hopkins: Free Range

Katie Hopkins: Free Range

    COMEDY

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From Wed 27th May 2026 to Sat 30th May 2026


Come and join your family on the road for another cracking evening out with British funny woman, Katie Hopkins. Whether you are 18 or 80, on date night with your hubby, a Single Pringle Mingle or a bus load of sturdy lesbians, you belong. Never heard of her? Even better.

After a fully SOLD OUT run in 2025, KATIE IS BACK with an ALL NEW SHOW for 2026, Katie will bring her unapologetic humour back to the stage for a night of laugh-out-loud stand-up comedy where you will remember how it feels to belong.

Katie is giving herself ‘FREE RANGE’ on all the usual targets: useless politicians, idiot celebrities and the morons in our midst. All your favourites from ‘Batsh*t Boners Britain’ will be in there: Lanyard Linda, Fat Brenda and Ceramic Bob head Rachel Reeves, together with Katie’s new characters for 2026.

Katie overshares her own humiliating failures for the biggest laughs; including her struggles with the thought police, Anusol sponsorship and a drooping undercarriage.

“I’m giving people free range to laugh with me and at me: No rules; no limits; no apologies. Have a night off from pretending to be proper, and laugh till your face hurts”. 

Quotes:

“We haven’t laughed that hard since the 70s” Adam, Rugby

“I brought my husband. He doesn’t know Katie. He is now her biggest fan, best date night ever” Rachel, Perth

“I laughed till I cried. I cannot remember the last time I laughed like that” Carolyn, Swansea

“What a lovely audience, all ages, all sorts” Skegness Empire Theatre

 

blackburn-empire-Moments Of Pleasure - Ultimate Tribute to Kate Bush

Moments Of Pleasure – Ultimate Tribute to Kate Bush

    MUSIC

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Sunday 20th September 2026 at 7:30pm


For one night only

Moments of Pleasure: The Ultimate Tribute to Kate Bush present This Woman’s Work, a journey through the career of one of the UK’s greatest musical artists.

Featuring the astounding vocal performance of Lisa-Marie Walters and a band of virtuoso musicians, Moments of Pleasure are hailed by The Sunday Times Magazine as one of
the UK’s top 10 tributes. Widely acclaimed as the closest you can get to experiencing Kate Bush live, the band have been exciting audiences across the country for over five years.

Kate Bush’s debut single, Wuthering Heights, was nothing short of a phenomenon. She was the first female artist to have a self-penned No. 1 hit, at only nineteen years old, and has not stopped her artistic innovation since. With every album she has broken new ground and yet has still managed to consistently make music that masses of people want to listen to.

Join Moments of Pleasure as they take you through Kate’s astonishing body of work from The Kick Inside to Aerial. The show includes hits like the mischievous Babooshka and surprise 21st Century smash Running Up That Hill, through fan favourites such as Them Heavy People and Hammer Horror, to a few deep cuts like Night of The Swallow and The Wedding List.

This is an evening that no Kate Bush fan would want to miss. A joyous celebration of all things Kate!

“With your eyes closed, you could be in the presence of the originator. If you need to hear these songs live, this is the way to do it.” – ROCKFIEND

“It’s good to know that we can still hear accurate live renditions of Kate’s music today courtesy of the likes of Lisa-Marie.” – CHOICE RADIO, WORCESTER

 

blackburn-empire-It's A Beautiful Noise with Fisher Stevens - The Neil Diamond tribute

It’s A Beautiful Noise with Fisher Stevens – The Neil Diamond tribute

    MUSIC

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Friday 30th October 2026 at 7:30pm


For one night only

From London's West End to your doorstep

Immerse yourself in the unparalleled celebration of the legendary Neil Diamond's music with our internationally acclaimed production!

Fisher Stevens Takes Center Stage:
Experience the sheer brilliance of Fisher Stevens, undeniably one of the BEST Neil Diamond impersonators. Direct from the Lyric Theatre in London's Shaftesbury Avenue, Fisher Stevens and our fantastic cast of professional musicians and singers are ready to transport you through five decades of musical brilliance.

A Musical Icon Celebrated:
Neil Diamond, a musical icon with a career spanning over five decades, has left an indelible mark on the music world. From his Brill Building hits to The Jazz Singer and unforgettable live concerts, his legacy is celebrated in every note of this exceptional show.

Sparkling Musical Gems:
Join us on a musical adventure like no other, revisiting over 130 million albums' worth of classic hits. From Love On The Rocks to Sweet Caroline, Forever In Blue Jeans, Song Sung Blue, I am… I Said, America, Cracklin’ Rosie, Red Red Wine, I’m A Believer, and many more – each song is a sparkling gem that has defined generations.

Don't miss the chance to be part of this unforgettable celebration! Secure your tickets now and get ready to be transported through the timeless sounds of Neil Diamond.

 

blackburn-empire-poster-Pinked Floyd

Pinked Floyd

    MUSIC

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Friday 10th July 2026 at 7:30pm


For one night only

Pinked Floyd are delighted to return to one of their favourite venues, the Empire Theatre Blackburn, with a spectacular evening packed with cherished favourites from the timeless albums:

Dark Side of the Moon, The Wall, The Division Bell, Wish You Were Here, Animals, A Momentary Lapse of Reason — as well as delving deeper into the Floyd back catalogue.

This band of quality performers have an almost fanatical devotion to reproducing the very best versions of tracks from original albums, studio sessions, and Pink Floyd’s famous live tours for their audience’s pleasure.

Expect:

  • Stunning guitar riffs

  • Spine-tingling keyboards

  • Saxophone solos

  • Beautiful female vocal harmonies

  • Thumping bass and rhythm lines
    All held together by charismatic front man Russ Samuels.

To complete the sensory experience, there is a mesmerising light and laser show complete with the iconic circular video screen – making this a night not to miss for lovers of Pink Floyd.

 

blackburn-empire-ONE VOICE – The Music of Barry Manilow

ONE VOICE – The Music of Barry Manilow

    MUSIC

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Saturday 12th September 2026 at 7:30pm


For one night only

Prepare to be mesmerized by an extraordinary tribute to the legendary Barry Manilow!

Experience the magic in this spectacular live concert, featuring a full band, dazzling showgirls, and an electrifying celebration of Manilow’s iconic music and career.

Immerse yourself in an unforgettable evening as you journey through a collection of timeless hits, including:

Copacabana, Mandy, I Write the Songs, Can’t Smile Without You, I Made It Through the Rain, Could It Be Magic, and many more!

Join us for a night of nostalgia, passion, and pure musical brilliance as we pay tribute to one of the greatest entertainers of all time.

This is more than just a concert—it’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience you won’t want to miss!

 

blackburn-empire-Jive Talkin' perform the Bee Gees

Jive Talkin’ perform the Bee Gees

    MUSIC

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Friday 12th June 2026 at 7:30pm


For one night only

Renowned as the original and very best Bee Gees tribute show, and THE ONLY Bee Gees tribute show that has actually performed with the original Bee Gees! In 1997 Gary & Darren from Jive Talkin performed LIVE on HEART FM with THE BEE GEES and received great compliments from both Maurice and Barry Gibb.

As with the original Bee Gees, Jive Talkin is very much a family affair, with brothers Gary and Darren Simmons taking the roles of Barry and Maurice Gibb, with Darren's son Jack joining the group in 2014 and taking on the role of Robin Gibb. The guys are supported musically by a four piece band with Lead Guitar, Violin, Cello and Drums, to ensure that every note in every song is just right!

Wherever the group play they receive superb plaudits; "The Soundalike quality is quite sensational" (The Stage), "Amazing similarity to the real Bee Gees" (Wakefield Express), Absolutely Brilliant (Maurice Gibb), WOW (Barry Gibb).

For a truly amazing experience and an opportunity to hear all the great Bee Gees hits; Tragedy, Night Fever, Massachusetts, Stayin Alive, jive Talkin, etc, in a 2 hour explosion of music and vocal harmony, this is a night not to be missed!

 

Oh What A Night!

    MUSIC

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Friday 27th March 2026 at 7:30pm


For one night only

OH WHAT A NIGHT! takes you back in time on a musical journeythrough the incredible career of Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons, now immortalised in the multi-award-winning show Jersey Boys, which has been packing theatres worldwidesince its debut in 2005.

Valli’s unmistakable voicedominated the airwaves for more than two decades with classics such as:
Sherry, Let’s Hang On, Big Girls Don’t Cry, Can’t Take My Eyes Off You, My Eyes Adored You, December ’63 (Oh What A Night), Bye Bye Baby, Who Loves Youand many, many more.

With a repertoire that needs no introduction, OH WHAT A NIGHT!combines infectious personalities, amazing vocals, slick harmonies, and even slicker dance movesto deliver a show full of energy and nostalgiathat will leave you wanting more!

Don’t miss the ultimate celebrationof one of the world’s greatest Rock & Roll bands!